In 2016, I am giving myself permission to press forward.
This last year was the calmest I’ve had in years, but it also meant I had space to process and grieve. Ironically, the immediate year after my sister’s passing was much easier than the time following the one year anniversary. I grieved over the experiences I hoped she would have in this life and over the ones I hoped we could have someday. I decided that the most radical thing I could do for 2016 would be to honor that and allow myself to move on, to be happy, and to make sure that I am making the most of now for the both of us.
This year I really want to be able to that. I want to be more conscious of the time I keep and the emotions I wear. I want to especially remember that even though burdens can be heavy, my belief in Christ recognizes that I can receive more comfort and help than what I have thought to ask.
This year will be about becoming more hopeful.
This year will be about loving God and others more.
This year will be about studying and not just reading scriptures.
Neil L. Anderson said:
“Press forward” implies something more than simply going forward. Press implies something is preventing your advancement, and you must push through it.
I’ve learned that life is not easy and being positive through it can feel like a constant battle, but I do believe a happy perspective really can cushion the difficult times. Life cannot be controlled and experiences I would not choose for myself are often very needed for my growth, but I have so many hopes about the person I can further become this year, the talents I can develop, and the people I can serve.
I am excited for what year holds and I am so optimistic about the things ahead. This year will be about pressing forward and I hope you join me in it too!
Bracelet custom ordered from here and print ordered from here.
I hope you are feeling uplifted about the new year. I’m reading for a new start! What is your theme for the upcoming year?
Branson
This is beautiful. Praying you have a year that truly heals and frees you!
Autumn
Thank you Branson!
taylynneduvall
I love this theme! It paints such a great visual. And the bracelet couldn’t be cuter! Love it.
Autumn
Thank you Taylor! I’ve picked a few over the years, but I think this one has been the best yet. Planning ahead made it much more meaningful and having it as a bracelet is much more visible to me than a necklace charm which I did in the past.
servisashley
I really like your word choice “pressing forward.” It is important to remember to not give up, especially because life doesn’t work in our favor all the time.
Autumn
Learning to move on and not give up are huge, but can be so hard sometimes! I love how writing helps me figure out everything and how blogging gives me such a great support system though!
KatyJ930
Added you on my Bloglovin so I can follow your gratitude linkup! And all the rest of your blogs! A) You’re adorable!!!! B) This post is on point. I’ve been with someone who refused to ‘press forward’ after a death. He truly believed that because he had lost someone and they didn’t get to have a life, he shouldn’t live either. It is a horrible thing to watch someone go through and believe. I’m glad you’re taking steps to move your life forward! Kudos to you!!!!
Autumn
Thanks for your sweet comment and I’m glad you’re following along! I also send out an email about a day before the linkup goes live for people that have joined it in the past to join.
Grieving is a very hard process, but it was also a combination of other things too. It is hard to experience and hard to watch, but it always wonderful to know what a great support is out there!
Greta
Love this! This is a great motto for 2016. 🙂
Autumn
Thank you Greta! I can tell it is going to be a good year :)!
Rebekah
I can only imagine what you’ve gone through, but I’m so glad that you were able to find comfort in the Lord. I hope that you can enjoy your life for your sister. I’m sure she’ll be so excited to talk about all of it when you two are reunited one day.
Autumn
I’m glad to know that families are forever and it was such a comfort to go and do her temple work! Honestly, I think after doing that is when I began grieving, but I am so happy I could do that service for her!
brittanyputman15
I love your press forward sign. That’s gorgeous!
Autumn
Thanks Brittany! 🙂 I was so glad to find it and the etsy store owner was kind enough to send me a bonus print too!! I’ll definitely be getting things from her in the future!
Shann Eva
Great word of the year, and I love your meaning behind it. I also love your bracelet. All the best to you in 2016.
Autumn
Thank you!! I have really enjoyed wearing the bracelet and it really does keep me thinking about it all day. I hope you have a wonderful 2016 too!
Erica @ Coming Up Roses
I love these words and I love your attitude. You are so stinkin’ strong. It’s so so admirable. Press forward!
Coming Up Roses
Autumn
Thank you for your sweet comment and again- I really love your operation beautiful posts! They are such a nice and positive thing to put on the internet!
Linh {A Beautiful RAWR}
What a beautiful post. So sorry for your loss, but I love your new outlook for this year. The bracelet and print is a beautiful reminder 🙂
-Linh
Autumn
Thanks for your sweet comment Linh! I think the reminder + making new goals is really helping me everyday as far as I can tell. I hope you have a wonderful 2016!